And operating the Ruark R4 is easy. Just select the mode you require on the RotoDial, and all the R4i and iPod functions can be intuitively controlled. And for extra wow factor it can be detached, functioning as a fantastic remote control. With its superb tactile design it is totally unique, and sitting on your coffee table it will be a guaranteed talking point!

MP3 and WMA files can be played via your USB storage device or burnt CD. There are two auxiliary 3.5mm stereo inputs for MP3 and other audio devices, and a handy socket so you can listen with your headphones if desired.

We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not, depending on the type of product, you can make free returns in the UK via John Lewis shops, Royal Mail, Collect+, or MyHermes. If you need to arrange collection of large or heavy items, call us on 03456 049 049. For international returns queries, call us on +44 1698 545 454. Find out more about returns.

You'll find returns information on your delivery note. Unless faulty, we'd like you to make your return within 90 days of purchase. Exceptions apply to certain products - find out more about our refund policy.

Q & As

Rated 4.4 out of 5 by 48
reviewers.

Rated 1 out of 5 by Overtaxed very poor quality
The sound from this product was the most bland that I have ever experienced. The music sounded dead and flat. Music from my much cheaper and much older Sony, Apple, Pure and Panasonic equipment sounds so much better
It was returned to John Lewis as unsatisfactory, I was also disappointed with the user unfriendly remote. This return was very well managed.
04 February 2015

Rated 5 out of 5 by knowle Brilliant so far
Purchased about three months ago. One of the main reasons for buying this particular model was that DAB and FM radio reception in my area is poor and the usual telescopic aerial is normally not good enough. I wanted a high quality radio/CD player that allowed me to connect an exterior aerial; an unusual combination.
You can unscrew the detachable telescopic aerial and fit an external aerial. You must buy an 'F' connecting fitting, easily obtained online. I fitted a simple ribbon aerial pinned to an outside wall and have excellent DAB and FM reception.
In all other respects the radio and CD player work well. Early days but so far I would thoroughly recommend
24 December 2014

Rated 3 out of 5 by Photo Great product disappointing service>
Saw and listened to the Ruark in JL Nottingham, great salesman, superb product, I purchased two. They were delivered (black not available in store) the first installed perfectly and lived up to expectation the second had a faulty DAB module and refused to tune.
I contacted the JL helpline and was told by the tech that this was due to my internet connection? Eventually he agreed that the product would be replaced but told me the best way forward was to return it to store (8kg, 20 miles and parking) the weekend before Christmas?
Following a conversation with two more JL partners it will be replaced on Christmas eve by delivery and collection. I feel really let down not by Ruark but by the JL service on an expensive product which they seem to lack knowledge and good customer service on.
20 December 2014

Rated 4 out of 5 by jellycoll Ruark R4i
Fantastic product, stylish, excellent build quality, superb bass sound.
2 gripes, hence only 4 stars: headphone socket not suitable for quality headphones (too small), and the remote control sticks when raising the volume and suddenly goes too high - could wreck the speakers if you are unable to correct in time. I thought it was a fault with our system but have read similar reviews so it seems it is a fault on all of them. As it is such an expensive product, perhaps when the remote control is improved Ruark could provide existing owners with a new one.
18 November 2014

Rated 1 out of 5 by michael30b Never again B Grade
The Ruark R4i does sound good - on FM and DAB radio - and seems to "punch above its weight" in audio. However I made the mistake of ordering a reconditioned unit for a saving of £100 and found that CDs (OK elsewhere) stopped after a few minutes. This was disappointing as the unit had been offered as "good as new". I would now regard it as a product to buy from a specialist dealer as the manual is fairly minimal. Congrats to JLP for offering speedy refund and collection of the defective product.
08 October 2014

Rated 4 out of 5 by sashiminotuna Great system but battery problem
We have had this unit for about 3 years and would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't been out of action for a month. The reason is that the controller stopped working because the batteries died. Not too much of a problem, in theory, but just try finding/ buying the 4AA batteries it takes. Nigh on impossible. Why Ruark uses them and why JL don't stock them, I don't understand. Otherwise, it's sleek and the sound is very good for such a small piece of kit.
14 August 2014

Rated 5 out of 5 by paul47sj great design, sound & functionality
An elegant unit, with all the functions you're likely to need, with a clean, natural sound. The instruction leaflet is fairly minimal and there doesn't appear to be an on-line PDF manual, which would have been nice. If you have an iPOD 6 Nano, beware not all functions can be handled by the unit's remote and you'll need to use the iPOD touchscreen to change albums, although it will move forward/back through tracks OK. The radio is very good and the sound quality very 'english', clean, precise and not overstated. There is a small control on the back to set the sub-woofer 'loudness' but its subtle and won't offer you the opportunity to kill the sound with over the top bass. Overall a great piece of equipment.
05 August 2014

Rated 5 out of 5 by Cariad70 Love the sound quality
An elegant piece of kit that fits our personal bill perfectly.The surround sound fills our open plan home beautifully. Certainly came up to our expectations.
11 June 2014